Wednesday, 20 June 2012

Marketing yourself! (Part 2 - Networking)

Hi, everything has been a bit busy at the moment so I'm sorry I've been away from blogging for a while. I did manage to fit in a networking event last week and this and a few other incidents have made me keep thinking about self-promotion. I mentioned in my last marketing blog about how I had it drummed in to me that YOU are the best marketing tool for YOUR business.

Having been to a few networking events now I realise how very true this is. I don't find it an easy thing to do, and have to put myself in my positive confident frame of mind. I also tell myself that everyone else must feel a tiny bit anxious about talking about their stuff but I would be interested to hear what they have to say so hopefully it would be the same for them.

At times in different situations I do cringe when people ask me what I do. I still haven't quite defined my role and how to describe myself and my business. I think the problem is that basically I am just an artist doing what I love! But I do think going out to networking events is a great way to tell others what you do and to help define it for yourself. I've also found that it really is a great way to meet people too.

However, I have realised that although most people are generally interested and even excited when I explain what I do, some people do have a completely different impression. I received a very derogatory comment about a particular product last week, this was without the person seeing it. I think it was a misunderstanding but it did make me realise first impressions really do count and if you don't sell yourself and your products straight away you could have blown it with that person!

This did make me very aware that I should always be promoting my goods in a way that represents them professionally and adequately. I am very proud of the quality and uniqueness of all my products and this comment actually helped me realise this, the freshness and individuality of my work is what makes it very special and it is this that I should be getting across every time my work is being assessed.

I am still not sure exactly how best to describe my work but I am definitely going to work on my elevator pitch for both written and verbal communications so the next time I get a "Really?" comment it will be, "Really? They sound great!!!"

I would love to hear how you have managed to talk about yourself and your work effectively, and any tips you have.

6 comments:

I think your work is great and you should be proud of it. I don't think people realise how difficult it is to get noticed and make sales, in fact it is harder doing this than producing the products/designs in the first place. I know what you mean though I find it hard to push myself forward particularly in a face to face situation.Love your WorkFliss

Hi Fliss,Thanks so much for your lovely comment. I totally agree, I think selling your stuff is the hardest part but I will definitely keep going and really appreciate your great comments. Good luck too.Thanks and best wishes SamX

Your work is gorgeous by the way! But I know what you mean. I am in the same kind of place. Although I have been making beads for years I still feel a bit silly when I tell people what I do for a living and I don't know why because I am proud of my work but I do feel that sometimes people don't see it as a 'proper' job. Whatever that is?

I have found that you have to invest almost more time in self promotion than in actually making things. But, I do know that all this hard work will be worthwhile in the end.

Thanks so much for your lovely comment Sarah and I really believe your very positive statement that all the hard work will be worth it in the end. Look forward to seeing where we all end up!!Really loved your Anthony Gormley beads by the way, they really made me smile!Thanks again,best wishes,SamX

I know exactly what you mean Sam. I have just finished ( well in a few weeks anyway) my employed paid job as a college lecturer in Textiles for the past 20 years. That was easy to tell people - yes I am a lecturer in Art and Design.I have also been selling my work for many years but I have always felt strange saying I am an 'artist' (even though I have an MA) . But I have decided to be positive and not scared of it anymore.

Hi Sally, thanks for your great comment and WOW! That will be quite a change for you after 20 years so maybe it is time to start shouting proudly about being an artist! Good luck with everything.Best wishes,SamX

About Me

Hi and welcome to my blog. I am an Artist, Illustrator and Mum living in Edinburgh. I create unique illustrations for businesses and individuals, in my unique distinctive style. I'm always happy to discuss new projects large or small. I am also a Director of Edinburgh Pop-Up Events. Thanks for visiting my blog X